2013 Nissan Pathfinder body & structure problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
35 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 120,000 mi.
- Body & Structure complaints
- 35
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 120,000 mi
Specific components reported
Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | 24 |
| Structure | 4 |
| Structure:frame and members | 4 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch | 1 |
Body & Structure complaints across Nissan Pathfinder years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
Risk: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
Risk: If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
What owners say
- Filed Jul 10, 2026168,000 miNJBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood unlatched and opened independently. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was advised to return the vehicle to the initial dealer for diagnostic…
NHTSA complaint #11749493 · source - Filed Sep 17, 2025TNBody & Structure
Rear subframe rusted through and unable to be repaired. Contacted Nissan and would not assist even though some VIN # of the same year were recalled and replaced. Having a hard time finding a replacement even with a family friend who is a service advisor looking. Vehicle has not been in an accident that would cause this type of fracture in the frame. Unable to drive the vehicle for obvious safety reasons.
NHTSA complaint #11687997 · source - Filed Apr 28, 2025NYBody & Structure
Rear subframe on the passenger side cracked because of excessive rust making it dangerous to drive so it's now stuck at the repair shop. Repair shop said this is not expected for a vehicle with this mileage and the other sides of the subframe are far from being in the same condition as this one.
NHTSA complaint #11657164 · source - Filed Apr 25, 2025106,019 miMIBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, on the lift at the independent mechanic, the independent mechanic rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to be repaired under an unknown recall for the hood latch. The contact stated that recommendations were made by the dealer; however, a recommendation for the subframe rust was not provided. The subframe rust…
NHTSA complaint #11656736 · source - Filed Dec 31, 2024WIBody & Structure
Rear Subframe/under body completely rusted out at cracked. My daughter and I drive a lot for her health condition to appointments. The Nissan Dealership said this could have been catastrophic driving down the freeway had it broke apart while driving. It completely fell apart in the mechanics hand after they removed it and were showing me what actually happened and what I was driving around on. Nissan dealership quoted me $11,000.00 for the part and labor. I had it fixed…
NHTSA complaint #11633348 · source - Filed Dec 23, 2024100,000 miMDTowedBody & Structure
The contact owned a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened and shattered the windshield. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11632133 · source - Filed Nov 26, 2024KYBody & StructureSuspension
When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads
NHTSA complaint #11627545 · source - Filed Nov 8, 2024130,000 miPATowedBody & StructureBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and the vehicle started to wobble. The contact decelerated and pulled over safely. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe frame and cross member…
NHTSA complaint #11624233 · source - Filed Nov 7, 2024VABody & Structure
After being notified of NHTSA recall campaign 22V-420 by Nissan North America, Inc. we had the required service repairs performed by a qualified Nissan dealership near us, however Nissan has been unable to clear the open recall notice from their Nissan tracking system, so we continue to receive periodic open recall notices from Nissan for this same issue. The NHTSA website recall system correctly shows no open recalls for our vehicle. Several phone calls placed to the Nissan…
NHTSA complaint #11624020 · source - Filed Sep 20, 2024PABody & Structure
Took my 2013 Pathfinder to Steve Shannon Tires and auto center to fix (what I thought was the issue) a wheel bearing. They called me later in the day informing me they could not replace the wheel bearing because my rear sub frame is rotted.
NHTSA complaint #11615702 · source - Filed Sep 5, 2024143,000 miKSBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle swayed to the right. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded, causing the rear driver’s side stabilizer bar to fracture. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11612788 · source - Filed Aug 28, 2024ILBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the tires were losing air. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the subframe from the front end to the rear had severe corrosion. The mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11611441 · source
Other 2013 Nissan Pathfinder problem areas
- Transmission & Drivetrain (71)
- Other / Unknown (38)
- Suspension (23)
- Engine (19)
- Airbags (17)
- Brakes (11)
- Electrical System (11)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (7)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (5)
- Steering (5)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
- Visibility & Wipers (5)
- Lighting (4)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
- Seats & Seat Belts (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology